Brahmi
Artist/Maker
Indian
, Central India, Gwalior
Date10th century
MediumLimestone
DimensionsOverall: 16 1/2 × 11 × 4 in. (41.9 × 28 × 10.2 cm)
Credit LineFriends of Art Fund
Object number1965.20
Status
On viewBrahmi, or Brahmani, is a form of Devī (The Goddess) understood to be the shakti, or dynamic power, of Brahmā, the god of creation. Like Brahmā she has four faces (the one to the rear is not visible) symbolizing universal knowledge, and four arms that represent universal power. Her two forward arms once formed the symbolic gestures (mudrā) of fearlessness (right, palm forward fingers up) and generosity (left, palm forward, fingers down). Her upper arms hold attributes of Brahmā, the upper right a ladle (sruk) used in offerings and the upper left a brush of kusa grass, both of which refer to sacrifice. Below her is the vehicle of Brahmā and Brahmi, the haṃsa, often translated as swan or goose.
Brahmi is one of a group of warrior goddesses known as the Seven Mothers (saptamātṝkāh), and this sculpture was probably part of a larger relief sculpture that represented all of the goddesses.
Exhibition History
Brahmi is one of a group of warrior goddesses known as the Seven Mothers (saptamātṝkāh), and this sculpture was probably part of a larger relief sculpture that represented all of the goddesses.
When Words Meet Pictures: East Asian Painting and Sculpture
- Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (August 25, 1994 - November 15, 1994 )
Collections
- On View
- Asian
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19th century
late 19th–early 20th century
9th–10th century
late 19th–early 20th century
10th–11th century
19th century
19th century
1st century CE
late 19th century
late 19th–early 20th century